German School, 18th century
Friedrich Wilhelm II, King of Prussia (1744-1797) c.1785
Watercolour on ivory | 3.0 x 2.4 cm (sight) (sight) | RCIN 420504
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Frederick William II (1744-97) succeeded his uncle, Frederick II (Frederick the Great) as King of Prussia in 1786. Here he is wearing the uniform of the 18th Royal Prussian Infantry Regiment with the orange ribbon and star of the Order of the Back Eagle. Under his rule Prussia expanded its territories, and cultural activities – painting, architecture and theatre – flourished. Both Mozart and Beethoven dedicated works to Frederick.
The miniature is based on a portrait by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki, painted shortly before Frederick became king. The identity of the artist is unknown.Provenance
First recorded in the Royal Collection in 1870
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Watercolour on ivory
Measurements
3.0 x 2.4 cm (sight) (sight)
4.2 x 3.4 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)
Other number(s)
Cust 1910 : Cust, L., 1910. Windsor Castle: Portrait Miniatures, London – Cust 1910 40/17RL 1870 17.D.1Alternative title(s)
Frederick William II, King of Prussia (1744-1797)